Vancouver Canucks sign Dakota Joshua to four year contract with $3.25 million AAV

The Vancouver Canucks are getting more work done before free agency opens on July 1st.

Less than 24 hours after they cleared up some much-needed cap space by shipping Ilya Mikheyev out to the Chicago Blackhawks, the club has re-signed winger Dakota Joshua to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $3.25 million. Canucks GM Patrik Allvin announced the deal Thursday morning.

“Dakota had a strong season for us and took some big steps forward in his game,” said Allvin. “We really like his size, his speed and physicality. He fit in well with our system and the way we want to play hockey and I look forward to watching him to continue to develop under our coaching staff.”

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported late Wednesday night that the Canucks had re-engaged in trying to sign Joshua on the heels of the Mikheyev trade, and it turns out that didn’t take very long.

Joshua was days away from becoming an unrestricted free agent, where he was sure to garner plenty of interest on the open market.

The Canucks signed Dakota Joshua to the first one-way contract of his pro hockey career, and gave him every chance to flourish. Joshua had the best year of his career during his first season in Vancouver, but was even better this past season, where he emerged as a penalty killer, solid forechecker, and an all around capable middle six winger who Rick Tocchet clearly loved having on his team.

Joshua tallied 18 goals and 14 assists through 63 games with the Canucks this past season, and developed undeniable chemistry with Conor Garland on the Canucks’ third line. With Teddy Blueger re-signed yesterday to a team-friendly deal, this Joshua contract appears to be similar in that Joshua almost certainly would have gotten more money if he hit free agency.

What do you think of this deal Canucks fans? Let us know in the comments section below!